THE SANTALAND DIARIES Returns to NVA for the Third Year

New Village Arts continues its holiday tradition with Joe Mantello's adaptation of David Sedaris' highly acclaimed The Santaland Diaries, directed by Ensemble Member Samuel Sherman and starring NVA Ensemble and Actors Equity Member Daren Scott. The Santaland Diaries follows one out of work actor who decides to become a Macy's elf to pay the holiday bills. The story launched the career of writer and commentator David Sedaris with its sardonic take on the Christmas holiday and is intended for mature audiences only. The production will be showing at New Village Arts Theatre (2787 State Street, Carlsbad Village) from November 30 - December 24. The press opening night is Saturday, December 3 at 8 PM. All tickets are only $20 and can be purchased at www.NewVillageArts.org or by calling 760-433-3245.

David Sedaris has gained an international audience for his top selling books and collections of stories such as Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Naked. He was nominated for a Grammy for the category "Best Spoken Word Album" for Dress Your Family in Corduroy & Denim. He and his sister Amy Sedaris are an explosively funny collaborative team. They write under the moniker "The Talent Family". Many of their works were produced in New York City at The Drama Department and at the Lincoln Center. Brother and sister have created plays like The Book of Liz, Stump the Host as well as One Woman Shoe, an Obie Award-winning play. David Sedaris has also won several awards on his solo material, including the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Time magazine in 2001 honored him with the title of Humorist of the Year.

Ensemble Member and Director Samuel Sherman has stage managed The Santaland Diaries for the past two years and will be stepping into the director position for the first time this year. Samuel has extensive experience in all areas of theatre, including design, acting and behind-the-scenes jobs and serves as the Production Manager of New Village Arts.

Daren Scott is an NVA Ensemble Member and a member of Actors Equity, the Union of Professional Stage Managers and Actors. He was recently seen in a recurring role on the FX television show Terriers. Previous shows for New Village Arts include Ah, Wilderness!, The Seven Year Itch, Be Aggressive, Humble Boy, Three Sisters, Crimes of the Heart, A Lie Of The Mind, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. For Cygnet Theatre, Daren has appeared in Love Song, The Invention Of Love, Biedermann And The Firebugs and Las Meninas. Most notable shows for Diversionary Theatre include Execution Of Justice and A Bright Room Called Day (co-produced with Backyard Productions). Other San Diego experience includes the West Coast premieres of Closer (Backyard Productions), Stop Kiss (Womens Rep), and Fit To Be Tied (Elephant Productions), and the highly acclaimed Of Mice And Men for Renaissance Theatre Company and Frankie And Johnny In The Claire De Lune for Vantage Theatre (directed by DJ Sullivan) . He was a regular recurring character on Fashion House (Fox) and a co-star on The Ex List (CBS).

Ticket prices are just $20 for all performances. Showtimes are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM; Saturdays at 3 PM & 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. The theatre is located in the heart of Carlsbad Village, at 2787 State Street. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.NewVillageArts.org or calling 760-433-3245.